ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v
the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o he_o die_v for_o oâ—r_a sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n rom._n 4.25_o iii_o point_n whether_o may_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v this_o sabbath_n day_n to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o to_o tewsday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o power_n for_o time_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o dispose_n thereof_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n act._n 1.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o father_n have_v keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o hiâ—_n own_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v they_o now_o if_o that_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v then_o be_v this_o also_o sound_a and_o good_a if_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n than_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o but_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o all_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n ergo_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o henâ—e_v gather_v thus_o if_o that_o which_o be_v less_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o be_v more_o do_v not_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o power_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o dispose_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o consequent_a may_v not_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o jew_n appoint_v festival_n day_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o christ_n keep_v holy_a joh._n 10.22_o institute_v by_o the_o maccabee_n 4._o in_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o restore_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o temple_n which_o antiochus_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o also_o mordichay_n institute_v the_o feast_n purim_n 17._o which_o be_v celebrate_v of_o the_o jew_n afterward_o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v holiday_n than_o they_o may_v alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o so_o may_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n ans._n these_o feast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o saboath_n set_v whole_o apart_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v only_a day_n of_o the_o solemnity_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o token_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n &_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v only_o celebrate_v as_o they_o serve_v to_o put_v the_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o outward_a benefit_n so_o that_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n or_o to_o make_v two_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o it_o be_v convenient_a it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o do_v alter_v this_o day_n must_v not_o be_v less_o than_o apostolical_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o this_o day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n now_o if_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o lord_n day_n use_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a redemption_n than_o here_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n reprove_v first_o those_o that_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o servant_n who_o spend_v this_o day_n in_o carnal_a rejoice_v in_o riot_n game_n and_o wantonness_n never_o think_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o these_o sin_n great_o against_o the_o lord_n for_o hereby_o they_o pervert_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o glorious_a to_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n here_o reprove_v be_v those_o which_o live_v more_o civilltie_n than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o to_o take_v their_o journey_n thereon_o and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o ordinary_a affair_n persuade_v themselves_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n with_o as_o good_a a_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o about_o their_o business_n as_o they_o do_v who_o go_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o man_n sin_v grievous_o against_o the_o four_o commandment_n for_o hereby_o they_o make_v that_o their_o own_o day_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n a_o three_o sort_n here_o reprove_v though_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o serve_v god_n at_o those_o ordinary_a time_n of_o the_o sabbath_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v due_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v beside_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v pertain_v either_o to_o their_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v our_o ignorant_a people_n and_o a_o great_a number_n every_o where_o but_o they_o sin_v grievous_o against_o god_n for_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o consecrate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o they_o part_v stake_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o day_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a take_v the_o rest_n unto_o themselves_o which_o thou_o misspend_v upon_o their_o lust_n now_o as_o these_o vice_n must_v be_v abhor_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v with_o all_o conscience_n keep_v the_o lord_n sabbath_n holy_a according_a to_o thâ—_n four_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v thereon_o cease_v from_o all_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o sanctify_v this_o day_n whole_o by_o apply_v it_o all_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n public_a and_o private_a public_a when_o man_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o public_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o to_o call_v on_o god_n name_n for_o further_a grace_n as_o also_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o sacraman_n private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o private_a place_n employ_v themselves_o in_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n read_v and_o meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n &_o work_n whereby_o god_n be_v honour_v and_o their_o soul_n edify_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o lord_n every_o sabbath_n day_n of_o every_o man_n for_o we_o may_v not_o abridge_v god_n of_o that_o timâ—_n wherein_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o his_o name_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n in_o the_o week_n day_n from_o our_o private_a business_n &_o employ_v they_o in_o public_a affair_n we_o will_v think_v much_o at_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v take_v himself_o dishonour_v of_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v take_v either_o whole_a or_o part_n of_o his_o holiday_n and_o employ_v it_o in_o our_o business_n a_o main_a cause_n why_o many_o profit_n little_a by_o the_o public_a mininisterie_n be_v want_n of_o private_a sanctification_n of_o this_o day_n therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o increase_v in_o faith_n knowledge_n or_o obedience_n as_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v whereof_o this_o day_n have_v be_v set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_a from_o the_o beginning_n object_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n show_v this_o vision_n unto_o john_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o any_o other_o answ._n though_o john_n be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n withal_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n on_o this_o day_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n which_o he_o can_v perform_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o solitary_a place_n now_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n manner_n when_o his_o servant_n be_v thus_o humble_v then_o to_o come_v and_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o special_a manner_n so_o he_o do_v unto_o daniel_n dan._n 9_o and_o to_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o and_o to_o peter_n pray_v
reveal_v his_o will_n not_o to_o the_o proud_a but_o to_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n isay._n 57.15_o and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v his_o own_o natural_a wit_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o even_o a_o fool_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o conceit_n also_o he_o must_v unfeigned_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o truth_n ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o even_o 11.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o that_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o second_o after_o preparation_n he_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v thorough_o what_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v and_o what_o be_v theiâ—_n opinion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a oversight_n to_o misconceive_v the_o state_n of_o the_o adversary_n question_n by_o propound_v it_o otherwise_o than_o they_o hold_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o many_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o controversy_n three_o due_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o adversary_n doctrine_n be_v of_o man_n or_o of_o god_n this_o be_v god_n commandment_n 1._o john_n 4.1_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o for_o trial_n hereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o cause_n isa._n 8._o vers_fw-la 20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o look_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o write_a word_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o scripture_n show_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n examine_v be_v direct_o gather_v thence_o and_o by_o just_a consequent_a or_o not_o four_o serious_a consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o live_v of_o the_o teacher_n examine_v for_o a_o false_a teacher_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v usual_o a_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v 1â—_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o examine_v such_o they_o will_v appear_v howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o famous_a heretic_n do_v plain_o declare_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o discovery_n be_v sentence_n give_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n the_o church_n here_o give_v out_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a sentence_n against_o they_o she_o call_v they_o false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n and_o yet_o she_o sin_v not_o for_o christ_n commend_v she_o for_o it_o though_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_n can_v beseem_v any_o yet_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n may_v give_v ouâ—_n severe_a speech_n against_o offender_n in_o token_n of_o detestation_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o offend_v thus_o john_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n a_o generation_n of_o viper_n matth._n 3.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o paul_n call_v the_o galatian_n fool_n gal._n 3.1_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n call_v these_o false_a teacher_n liar_n which_o be_v very_o much_o for_o therein_o she_o accuse_v they_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o teach_v that_o which_o be_v false_a indeed_o second_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n with_o intent_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o this_o discovery_n use_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o just_a accomplishment_n of_o paul_n prophecy_n acts._n 20.29_o 30._o namely_o that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o among_o the_o ephesian_n grievous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v these_o false_a apostle_n who_o after_o examination_n be_v find_v liar_n again_o see_v in_o the_o day_n of_o this_o apostle_n john_n man_n dare_v presume_v to_o claim_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v challenge_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v peter_n successor_n and_o to_o have_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v now_o avouch_v some_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o also_o bring_v in_o their_o tradition_n &_o unwritten_a verity_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v equal_o with_o god_n word_n verse_n 3._o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v how_o this_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o false_a teacher_n after_o their_o discovery_n the_o manner_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o handle_v the_o point_n particular_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v press_v down_o under_o a_o great_a burden_n this_o burden_n be_v the_o trouble_n which_o false_a apostle_n bring_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v partly_o by_o open_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n partly_o by_o the_o spread_a of_o their_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n these_o false_a teacher_n be_v ebion_n cerinthus_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n trouble_v this_o church_n as_o history_n do_v show_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n who_o both_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o persecution_n become_v grievous_a burden_n this_o the_o lord_n permit_v for_o weighty_a cause_n i._o that_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v excite_v more_o constant_o to_o embrace_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o jude_n 3._o most_o worthy_o exhort_v the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o common_a faith_n ii_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o sound_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o it_o be_v â—ette_v say_v paul_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o approve_a may_v â—ee_n know_v iii_o that_o god_n may_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11._o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strange_a illusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n for_o many_o know_v the_o word_n that_o love_v it_o not_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v use_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o lord_n wheat_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o evil_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offence_n that_o hereby_o we_o be_v rather_o provoke_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n in_o all_o their_o persecution_n but_o first_o note_v the_o coherence_n of_o this_o virtue_n with_o the_o former_a thou_o have_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o have_v have_v patience_n quest._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v against_o man_n nature_n in_o trouble_n to_o be_v patient_a for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n make_v man_n discontent_n and_o to_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o man_n answ._n they_o stand_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n namely_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o to_o they_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o their_o trouble_n shed_v
be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o gâ—ace_n this_o he_o do_v not_o for_o as_o we_o see_v this_o book_n be_v give_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o lord_n show_v his_o word_n say_v david_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o jacob_n that_o be_v his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n psal._n 147.19_o 20._o the_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o viz._n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n of_o this_o book_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o thing_n present_a or_o past_a this_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o come_v they_o must_v be_v do_v second_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o short_o or_o quick_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v so_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n elsewhere_o of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o offence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v mat._n 18.7_o of_o heresy_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11.19_o and_o of_o affliction_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o timoâ—h_o 3.12_o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v god_n church_n and_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o agree_v unto_o it_o for_o some_o will_v say_v if_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o then_o in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v stand_v together_o answ._n they_o may_v indeed_o constraint_n and_o man_n free_a will_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o man_n will_n and_o unchangeable_a necessity_n may_v well_o accord_v as_o i_o show_v thus_o in_o god_n there_o be_v most_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o will_n yet_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a necessary_o for_o he_o can_v possible_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o yet_o he_o will_v the_o same_o most_o free_o so_o christ_n die_v necessary_o he_o can_v not_o but_o die_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o die_v most_o free_o for_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o he_o john_n 10.18_o it_o will_v be_v say_v again_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o necessity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o god_n will_v must_v be_v do_v do_v we_o what_o we_o will_n answ._n this_o be_v man_n corrupt_a reason_n these_o man_n must_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v what_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o necessity_n rather_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n than_o any_o way_n move_v to_o neglect_v the_o same_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a necessity_n one_o be_v absolute_a another_o in_o part_n i_o call_v that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o possible_o as_o that_o god_n live_v and_o can_v die_v be_v omnipotent_a infinite_a etc._n etc._n necessity_n in_o part_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n do_v be_v necessary_a only_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o necessary_a cause_n as_o fire_n to_o burn_v be_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n yet_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o absolute_a for_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o change_v that_o order_n set_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o do_v when_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a oven_n dan._n 3.27_o now_o whereas_o we_o say_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessity_n in_o part_n and_o not_o of_o absolute_a for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v changeable_a and_o contingent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n appoint_v they_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o regard_n whereof_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v take_v away_o freedom_n from_o man_n will_n it_o only_o incline_v the_o same_o to_o one_o part_n &_o so_o dispose_v that_o man_n shall_v free_o will_v that_o to_o be_v which_o god_n eternal_o have_v decree_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v shortly_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o howsoever_o some_o thing_n foretell_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o which_o space_n of_o time_n may_v seem_v very_o long_o yet_o in_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v but_o short_a first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 2._o pet._n 3.8_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n when_o once_o they_o be_v expire_v though_o before_o they_o seem_v long_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o this_o book_n foretell_v judgement_n plague_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o mâ—st_v short_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a our_o careful_a consideration_n in_o this_o secure_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o man_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n say_v spare_v thyself_o this_o shall_v not_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o the_o beast_n not_o tremble_v yet_o the_o lord_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n but_o man_n will_v not_o repent_v well_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o whether_o we_o be_v young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o that_o god_n judgement_n be_v short_o to_o come_v and_o let_v this_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o raise_v we_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o security_n that_o which_o peter_n say_v of_o false_a teacher_n be_v also_o true_a of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n unless_o they_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o speedy_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n their_o judgement_n long_o ago_o be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2.3_o second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n serve_v great_o to_o comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v under_o any_o adversity_n or_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o both_o indeed_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o impatience_n and_o distrust_n by_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v here_o set_v down_o concern_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o foretell_v deliverance_n for_o god_n church_n and_o for_o every_o member_n thereof_o namely_o that_o they_o must_v short_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o come_v for_o their_o deliverance_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v hebr._n 10._o vers_fw-la 37._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o revelation_n now_o follow_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v convey_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o these_o word_n which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n where_o two_o point_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o employment_n second_o the_o person_n employ_v therein_o as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o
their_o common_a house_n which_o be_v untrue_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n the_o dwell_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o orderly_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o which_o time_n all_o due_a reverence_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o place_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v saint_n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n the_o mean_n be_v banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o patmos_n be_v banish_v thither_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o his_o banishment_n consider_v many_o excellent_a thing_n first_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a pillar_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n and_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o observe_v that_o whereas_o many_o other_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o but_o escape_v by_o banishment_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o want_v no_o malice_n towards_o john_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o god_n overrule_v he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o and_o that_o into_o such_o a_o island_n wherein_o he_o may_v quiet_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o cruel_a mind_n and_o may_v of_o bloody_a persecutor_n that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o heart_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o isle_n he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o the_o people_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o outward_a distress_n even_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n overrule_a hand_n second_o in_o that_o john_n go_v into_o banishment_n when_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o make_v resistance_n or_o offer_v violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o injury_n with_o patience_n christianorum_fw-la for_o as_o one_o say_v true_o the_o christian_n weapon_n in_o persecution_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o saint_n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v this_o conclusion_n after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o patience_n must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n three_o here_o also_o observe_v that_o john_n come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n as_o choose_v a_o solitary_a life_n to_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o perfection_n but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o it_o voluntary_o be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o papist_n call_v it_o but_o of_o glorious_a superstition_n and_o slat_n impiety_n before_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n four_o whereas_o john_n be_v banish_v receive_v his_o vision_n in_o a_o barren_a and_o base_a desolate_a place_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o man_n seek_v most_o to_o disgrace_v they_o for_o what_o great_a disgrace_n can_v they_o have_v put_v upon_o john_n than_o to_o banish_v he_o into_o so_o base_a a_o island_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n even_o there_o do_v the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o much_o in_o reveal_v unto_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o then_o do_v god_n exhalt_v he_o most_o of_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n who_o god_n do_v most_o advance_v when_o his_o enemy_n seek_v his_o great_a ruin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n child_n they_o which_o honour_n god_n will_v he_o honour_v ii_o point_n the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o this_o isle_n be_v express_o set_v down_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o which_o we_o may_v note_v that_o all_o natural_a man_n as_o domitian_n and_o his_o court_n and_o all_o the_o gentile_n without_o god_n special_a calling_n do_v bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n towards_o god_n word_n for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n a_o famous_a man_n for_o gift_n a_o singular_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v hate_v nay_o banish_a not_o for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o hatred_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n by_o their_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n hate_v it_o natural_o the_o same_o word_n win_v they_o and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v it_o so_o as_o successive_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o show_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o man_n word_n be_v hate_v can_v win_v unto_o it_o he_o which_o hate_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v by_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n which_o it_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o divine_a power_n again_o see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n and_o make_v this_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v trouble_n &_o persecution_n yea_o sometime_o banishment_n itself_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a christ_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o tell_v they_o 6.26_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o let_v none_o therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a at_o this_o day_n if_o for_o well_o do_v they_o hear_v and_o receive_v evil_a nay_o let_v they_o fear_v the_o curse_n when_o all_o man_n praise_v they_o and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o john_n do_v note_n more_o special_o the_o
thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n gal._n 5.14_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d whole_a rejoice_v and_o if_o he_o will_v â—ost_o of_o any_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v herein_o 2._o cor._n 1â—_n 9_o 10._o thus_o be_v god_n servant_n affect_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o repent_v and_o believe_v need_v not_o to_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v his_o pprophecy_n which_o be_v a_o prediction_n of_o that_o particular_a affliction_n which_o this_o church_n of_o smirna_n shall_v suffer_v and_o first_o he_o prefix_v this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v then_o he_o set_v down_o the_o pprophecy_n itself_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n behold_v hereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o we_o must_v often_o consider_v before_o â—and_n of_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n wherein_o god_n will_v try_v uâ—_n lest_o we_o perish_v therein_o our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v towards_o jerusalem_n 29.41_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o it_o he_o foretell_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o that_o city_n which_o therefore_o come_v upon_o they_o because_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n neither_o the_o thing_n therein_o foretell_v that_o do_v concern_v their_o peace_n and_o the_o like_a destruction_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o land_n if_o we_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n forecast_v what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n trial_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o fearful_a and_o final_a destruction_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n these_o word_n contain_v christ_n pprophecy_n wherein_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n for_o as_o isaiah_n in_o many_o place_n show_v it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o 44.7_o foretell_v a_o particular_a affliction_n that_o be_v contingent_a but_o some_o will_v say_v other_o can_v foretell_v certain_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o physician_n the_o sick_a man_n death_n and_o the_o astronomer_n the_o time_n of_o the_o eclipse_n how_o then_o be_v this_o proper_a to_o god_n answ._n the_o physician_n foretell_v the_o sick_a man_n death_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o cause_n present_a in_o which_o the_o future_a death_n be_v to_o he_o apparent_a and_o the_o astronomer_n foretell_v the_o eclipse_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n in_o present_a and_o by_o that_o can_v come_v to_o foretell_v it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v so_o that_o simple_o none_o can_v foretell_v a_o thing_n contingent_a except_o he_o see_v it_o present_a in_o the_o cause_n but_o christ_n foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v simple_o of_o himself_o though_o no_o cause_n be_v present_a as_o appear_z in_o this_o place_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n christ_n describe_v this_o affliction_n by_o sundry_a argument_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n second_o by_o the_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v afflict_v some_o of_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n three_o by_o the_o kind_n of_o punishment_n imprisonment_n four_o by_o the_o end_n thereof_o their_o trial_n and_o fifthly_o by_o the_o time_n of_o it_o continuance_n for_o ten_o day_n i._o argument_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o devil_n quest._n how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o can_v offer_v violence_n to_o man_n body_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n answ._n true_a but_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o hate_v god_n child_n he_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o persecute_v and_o make_v they_o hiâ—_n instrument_n to_o cast_v godâ—_n servant_n into_o prison_n in_o this_o that_o the_o devil_n cause_v the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n we_o learn_v sundry_a point_n i._o what_o manner_n of_o man_n those_o be_v that_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n namely_o wicked_a man_n such_o as_o arâ—_n inspire_v by_o satan_n and_o whole_o guide_v in_o mind_n will_n and_o in_o affection_n by_o he_o this_o make_v paul_n say_v 1.15_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n because_o in_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o make_v his_o minister_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o action_n and_o while_o he_o hold_v that_o course_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o persecution_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v his_o instrument_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v pity_n upon_o all_o persecutor_n be_v they_o king_n or_o monarch_n or_o whatsoever_o yea_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o they_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v possess_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o their_o persecution_n do_v his_o will_n and_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o vassal_n iii_o hence_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o weapon_n we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n namely_o with_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o prayer_n &_o invocation_n wherein_o we_o must_v show_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n our_o repentance_n &_o true_a obedience_n for_o our_o principal_a adversary_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o hereby_o we_o shall_v best_o defend_v ourselves_o against_o he_o and_o get_v the_o chief_a victory_n eliaâ—_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v call_v â—2_n the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n nothing_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v in_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n as_o prayer_n from_o a_o penitent_a &_o believe_a heart_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a nation_n against_o we_o howsoever_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o soldier_n must_v be_v use_v yet_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v soon_o foil_v our_o principal_a adversary_n satan_n who_o cease_v not_o the_o spear_n nor_o sword_n and_o yet_o will_v fly_v before_o these_o spiritual_a weapon_n ii_o argument_n the_o party_n that_o must_v be_v afflict_v be_v some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n not_o all_o iii_o argument_n the_o kind_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v imprisonment_n iv._o argument_n the_o end_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n love_n and_o patience_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o first_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o these_o three_o argument_n note_v first_o a_o special_a point_n touch_v god_n providence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o above_o all_o cause_n rule_v and_o dispose_v they_o all_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n use_v instrument_n of_o two_o sort_n good_a or_o evil_a the_o good_a instrument_n be_v good_a angel_n and_o regenerate_a man_n by_o who_o come_v no_o disorder_n for_o god_n work_v both_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o wicked_a instrument_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o god_n use_v they_o well_o yet_o from_o they_o be_v much_o disorder_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o work_v not_o in_o they_o but_o only_o by_o they_o permit_v their_o sin_n and_o disorder_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o his_o justice_n mercy_n and_o power_n which_o herein_o do_v notable_o appear_v in_o use_v these_o instrument_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n he_o cause_v wonderful_a order_n for_o first_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o restrain_v their_o fury_n and_o rage_n so_o as_o they_o can_v show_v it_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o desire_v see_v this_o in_o the_o devil_n persecution_n against_o this_o church_n he_o can_v kill_v the_o member_n hereof_o but_o only_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n he_o can_v imprison_v they_o all_o but_o some_o only_o neither_o can_v he_o keep_v they_o in_o prison_n always_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n second_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o turn_v all_o that_o they_o do_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o devil_n afflict_v the_o church_n for_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o god_n turn_v it_o to_o their_o good_a to_o make_v their_o faith_n manifest_a and_o to_o prevent_v many_o
country_n to_o country_n in_o most_o school_n of_o learning_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n for_o therein_o be_v nothing_o teach_v but_o error_n heresy_n and_o most_o abominable_a idolatry_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n among_o we_o where_o any_o wizard_n dwell_v or_o cunning_a person_n as_o they_o be_v call_v for_o thither_o whole_a country_n do_v flock_n for_o help_n and_o for_o counsel_n and_o so_o yield_v homage_n to_o satan_n all_o dice_v &_o all_o brothel_a house_n wherein_o abominable_a wickedness_n be_v free_o commit_v be_v satan_n throne_n yea_o all_o those_o family_n be_v the_o devil_n throne_n where_o man_n live_v without_o love_n or_o practice_v of_o religion_n in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o blasphemy_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n injustice_n or_o any_o such_o impiety_n and_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v thus_o for_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v his_o throne_n in_o some_o part_n thereof_o hereby_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o needful_a in_o every_o christian_a kingdom_n use_n there_o shall_v be_v throne_n of_o justice_n in_o civil_a court_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o equity_n the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o also_o throne_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n for_o the_o reprehend_v and_o punish_v of_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o civil_a court_n reach_v not_o unto_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o these_o throne_n justice_n shall_v be_v administer_v without_o partiality_n that_o god_n throne_n may_v be_v erect_v which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n again_o the_o devil_n cunning_a appear_v notable_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o set_v up_o his_o throne_n it_o be_v no_o petty_a town_n or_o village_n but_o a_o chief_a and_o famous_a city_n which_o have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o many_o king_n this_o have_v be_v his_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n to_o choose_v the_o chief_a place_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o throne_n great_a babylon_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v a_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o rome_n that_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a church_n be_v now_o and_o have_v be_v long_o that_o spiritual_a babylon_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n have_v the_o devil_n get_v up_o his_o throne_n when_o christ_n call_v the_o temple_n a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o people_n of_o great_a town_n and_o city_n be_v general_o more_o backward_o in_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n than_o in_o little_a village_n the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v have_v his_o throne_n in_o chief_a place_n for_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o religion_n there_o he_o much_o prevail_v by_o choke_v the_o word_n with_o pride_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n cause_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n when_o as_o they_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o thus_o he_o deal_v in_o great_a town_n that_o thence_o impiety_n may_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o country_n round_o about_o as_o tradesman_n do_v their_o ware_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o great_a town_n especial_o must_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o gospel_n but_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o every_o man_n must_v reform_v himself_o and_o every_o family_n themselves_o that_o god_n throne_n may_v be_v establish_v &_o the_o devil_n throne_n batter_v down_o among_o they_o second_o whereas_o this_o church_n dwell_v where_o the_o devil_n throne_n be_v we_o may_v observe_v whence_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v namely_o out_o of_o satan_n kingdom_n god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n ordain_v to_o salvation_n take_v from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o after_o their_o call_n they_o be_v god_n peculiar_a flock_n yet_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n thus_o paul_n speak_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n act._n 26.18_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o colossa_n colos._n 1.13_o that_o god_n deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n hence_o we_o learn_v i._o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o his_o gentility_n use_n or_o glory_n in_o his_o parentage_n for_o nobility_n and_o great_a blood_n but_o only_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o place_v by_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o wear_v about_o his_o neck_n a_o chain_n of_o gold_n if_o so_o be_v his_o heart_n will_n &_o affection_n be_v chain_v to_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o what_o avail_v it_o prince_n to_o sit_v upon_o their_o stately_a throne_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o subjection_n unto_o satan_n and_o do_v homage_n unto_o his_o throne_n yea_o what_o will_v all_o the_o treasure_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n avail_v to_o he_o that_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o so_o lead_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n second_o some_o do_v think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o any_o religion_n the_o jew_n by_o his_o religion_n the_o turk_n by_o his_o and_o the_o papist_n by_o his_o etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v the_o common_a receive_a opinion_n of_o our_o ignorant_a people_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a meaning_n but_o all_o these_o be_v mere_a dotage_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v his_o good_a meaning_n and_o yet_o serve_v the_o devil_n at_o his_o throne_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hold_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n or_o to_o practice_v civil_a virtue_n as_o justice_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n unless_o a_o man_n be_v one_o of_o god_n church_n sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o serve_v satan_n three_o here_o all_o god_n servant_n have_v a_o notable_a mean_n of_o stay_n and_o comfort_n in_o affliction_n if_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o cast_v into_o most_o dark_a dungeon_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o devil_n prison_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o place_v in_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o shall_v be_v inheritor_n of_o his_o glory_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o a_o divine_a power_n no_o creature_n except_o the_o good_a angel_n have_v power_n comparable_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v strong_a than_o all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n for_o it_o gather_v a_o church_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n it_o deliver_v man_n from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o place_v they_o in_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o therefore_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o sinful_a man_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v reverence_v as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o arm_n to_o save_v his_o elect_a five_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n to_o dwell_v with_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n dwell_v where_o satan_n throne_n be_v this_o he_o do_v with_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n for_o good_a cause_n i._o that_o their_o faith_n obedience_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o they_o preserve_v from_o many_o sin_n which_o otherways_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o moses_n tell_v the_o israelit_n that_o the_o cananit_n must_v not_o be_v all_o cast_v out_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n but_o dwell_v among_o they_o lest_o wild_a beast_n do_v grow_v up_o which_o will_v devour_v they_o &_o so_o the_o wicked_a must_v dwell_v among_o the_o godly_a to_o exercise_v god_n grace_n in_o they_o lest_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o security_n ii_o that_o they_o may_v shine_v forth_o as_o light_n unto_o the_o wicked_a by_o their_o godly_a conversation_n phil._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o pure_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n and_o among_o who_o you_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o word_n of_o life_n and_o thus_o the_o godly_a must_v do_v that_o by_o their_o unblameable_a life_n other_o may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n for_o godly_a example_n be_v a_o
in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
cause_n of_o his_o banishment_n to_o wit_n for_o testify_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o marie_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o life_n this_o testimony_n s_o john_n put_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v which_o be_v most_o hate_a of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o god_n minister_n be_v persecute_v and_o banish_v to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a but_o the_o gospel_n be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o man_n reason_n absurd_a for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v persecute_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n 3._o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glad_a tiding_n wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o promise_a seed_n be_v come_v who_o have_v indeed_o bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n hereupon_o the_o devil_n malign_v the_o gospel_n above_o all_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o according_o have_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n damnable_a heresy_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o gospel_n by_o deprave_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o outward_a violence_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v now_o see_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n do_v thus_o hate_v the_o gospel_n and_o labour_n to_o extinguish_v it_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v labour_v to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o vers._n 10._o and_o i_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o and_o four_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o three_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o give_v this_o revelation_n to_o john_n namely_o in_o a_o trance_n the_o four_o be_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n touch_v the_o manner_n it_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v i_o be_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o a_o trance_n that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o expound_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o phrase_n with_o the_o like_a in_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n of_o ezechiell_n who_o use_v to_o say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o express_v and_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o therein_o receive_v some_o vision_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o understand_v this_o the_o better_a consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o a_o trance_n be_v second_o the_o end_n of_o it_o first_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o trance_n come_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o star_n nor_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o think_v but_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o it_o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n above_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v also_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v alter_v which_o saint_n john_n here_o express_v say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o two_o action_n one_o upon_o the_o body_n the_o other_o upon_o the_o mind_n first_o in_o procure_v a_o trance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v the_o body_n of_o man_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n whereby_o all_o the_o sense_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v benumb_v so_o genes_n 15.12_o when_o god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n he_o cast_v he_o into_o a_o heaume_a sleep_n that_o be_v into_o a_o trance_n wherein_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v only_o his_o mind_n be_v wake_v the_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o draw_v it_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n to_o have_v a_o near_a fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v enlighten_v it_o with_o divine_a light_n that_o it_o may_v understand_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o other_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o in_o that_o of_o 1â—_n peâ—er_n when_o he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o trance_n be_v namely_o 〈◊〉_d a_o extraordinary_a powerful_a workâ—_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o whole_a man_n caâ—ting_v the_o body_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n of_o trance_n god_n for_o two_o cause_n reveal_v his_o will_n in_o trance_n unto_o his_o servant_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n first_o that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o but_o give_v of_o god_n john_n herein_o have_v no_o use_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whole_o he_o second_o and_o chief_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a do_v then_o most_o lively_a and_o sensible_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n of_o thing_n reveal_v here_o than_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n that_o his_o servant_n may_v thorough_o understand_v certain_o believe_v and_o constant_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o thing_n he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a care_n he_o show_v in_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o all_o his_o former_a prophet_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o hinder_v of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a but_o whole_o take_v up_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o if_o they_o must_v faithful_o teach_v god_n will_v to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v &_o remember_v the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v sound_o believe_v and_o firm_o keep_v in_o memory_n whatsoever_o god_n reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n with_o his_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n ought_v to_o employ_v themselves_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o believe_v it_o sound_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o we_o must_v not_o now_o look_v for_o trance_n and_o vision_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v use_v continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o knowledge_n this_o duty_n concern_v all_o student_n in_o divinity_n and_o all_o other_o which_o desire_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o furtherance_n herein_o they_o must_v have_v principal_a care_n to_o search_v into_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n thorough_o thereby_o shall_v they_o best_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o great_a facility_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n for_o one_o say_v true_o that_o every_o good_a minister_n shall_v be_v a_o good_a text_n man_n whereby_o be_v descry_v a_o common_a fault_n of_o many_o student_n who_o rather_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o ancient_a write_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o spend_v their_o best_a time_n in_o the_o base_a write_n of_o wicked_a &_o heretical_a monk_n and_o friar_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v worthy_a member_n of_o god_n church_n but_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v leave_v the_o